At Palisades Tahoe, we pride ourselves on not only our pristine slopes and world-class facilities but also the incredible individuals who work tirelessly to make our resort a top destination for winter sports enthusiasts. One such individual is Nick McMahon, one of our talented groomers. But Nick’s contributions go beyond his impeccable grooming skills: He is also an exceptional photographer whose work has captivated our community.
Capturing the Beauty of Palisades Tahoe
In 2015, Nick’s mom gifted him a camera, and this sweet gesture became a passion. The timing was right around when Instagram launched, and Nick was quickly inspired by other photographers sharing their shots of the Milky Way on the platform. Since then, Nick has honed his skills with a camera (and his Google Pixel) to capture some of the most memorable night shots you’ll see on our social media accounts.
Nick started working at Palisades Tahoe over 10 years ago. He started as a groomer in the Terrain Parks department before transitioning to mainline Grooming, where he has been for three seasons. Nick works swing shift from 3 p.m. to 12 a.m. Working the swing shift has allowed Nick to see and experience the mountains at night and without the day traffic of skiers and riders.
This season, Nick was also one of two staff groomers who got to work on building the Stifel Palisades Tahoe Cup racecourse. Now, Nick has experience in the “trifecta” of grooming techniques: terrain parks, mainline, and racecourse.
Nick, far right, is pictured with the group of snowcat operators who built the Stifel Palisades Tahoe Cup racecourse.
When he’s not taking photos, you’ll find Nick with his family: his wife, Alison, their two dogs Willie and Pepper, and their newborn daughter Maisy.
A Visual Storyteller
Nick’s photos are more than just images. They are visual stories that convey the majesty of Palisades Tahoe. From the vibrant colors of sunset reflecting off the snow to the twinkling stars of the Milky Way, Nick’s work captures moments that many of us never get to experience. His unique perspective as a groomer gives him access to areas of the mountain that few get to see, allowing him to present a side of Palisades Tahoe that is both intimate and awe-inspiring.
Our Favorite Shots from Nick McMahon
Northern Lights
Captured in May 2024 around 11pm.
Milky Way
Captured in April 2023 around 2am.
Gold Coast Patrol Shack
Captured in early April of 2023.
Snowstorms:
Scenic Snowcats
Lightning on Lake Tahoe
Nick is also responsible for our second-most-watched video of the season on Instagram. He captured this shot of Shirley Lake chairlift in the blustering wind during the early March storm that shuttered our resort for a three-day period.
